Accidents involving semi-trucks and Missouri pedestrians can have catastrophic consequences

Aaron Sachs & Associates, P. C.Jun 19, 2014

Our Missouri
truck accident attorneys urge you to be ever-cautious of big rigs, whether you're
in a passenger vehicle, on a motorcycle, or on foot. Even though you'd
like to believe that you won't get in an accident with a semi (because
you'd obviously see it coming), the fact remains that large trucks
are responsible for about 1 in 10 fatal accidents nationwide.

Collisions between semi-trucks and pedestrians are not as uncommon as you
might think. Because of their massive size and weight, large trucks are
often unable to react quickly enough when a pedestrian (or another vehicle)
suddenly appears in front of them.

In many cases, highway pedestrians are motorists who break down and wind
up stranded. It is not uncommon for drivers with disabled vehicles to
become victims of fatal traffic accidents, even though they're not
even driving.

Staying safe in traffic - as a driver or a pedestrian - requires that you
keep track of what's happening around you. In the event of a highway
break down, there are a number of safety precautions you can take to ensure
that you and your passengers stay safe while you wait for help.

Being safe when you're stranded: A few safety tips:

Always keep a cell phone with you for emergency situations.

If your car breaks down, make sure you pull off the roadway to the right
(as far as possible).

Activate your emergency flashers to warn other vehicles and law enforcement
of the location of your disabled vehicle.

Call law enforcement, a friend, a family member or roadside assistance for help.

Be patient when you're waiting for assistance to arrive. Remember that
it may take them a while to navigate through any traffic delay that your
disabled vehicle may have caused.

Keep emergency equipment in your vehicle, including a flashlight, emergency
flares and basic tools that may help to fix minor problems with your car.

If your car has broken down and cannot be moved, be sure to keep everyone
inside the car with seat belts on. Turn on your car's hazard lights
and stay there until help arrives.

Set up roadside flares, cones and emergency warning signs if possible.

Don't get into the car with someone you don't know. This goes for
emergency responders as well. Always ask for identification first.

One of the most dangerous things you can do if your car breaks down on
the roadway is to leave it parked in a lane of traffic: doing so cause
a second or a third incident. These kinds of accidents are especially
prevalent when cars break down on interstates and other fast-traveling
roadways. Vehicles are oftentimes unable to stop by the time they discover
the disabled vehicle, resulting in a domino effect of car accidents. Protect
your property, and help keep other motorists safe: call a towing company,
and make sure your hazard lights are on.

At Aaron Sachs and Associates, our personal injury lawyers represent auto
accident victims throughout Missouri. If you or a loved one has been injured
in an accident involving a commercial truck, please contact our office
to find out if we can help. Our attorneys work on a contingent-fee basis,
and we offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case. To schedule
an appointment, call us toll-free at 1-888-777-AUTO, or click here to
visit our website. Offices in Springfield, Joplin, Columbia, Cape Girardeau
and Kansas City. Attorney meetings by appointment only